Exactly 227 years ago, the first in Europe and the second in the world Constitution were written and passed in Poland. This event is important in the history of Poland, as evidenced by the fact that it is a statutory holiday. This act became a symbol of independence aspirations, and it was thought about it throughout all the years of the partitions.
It is worth recalling that 1791 was an exceptionally difficult year for the Commonwealth - finally, four years later, the third partition of Poland took place, as a result of which it disappeared from the maps of Europe for 123 years. The constitution changed the system of the country into a constitutional monarchy. It also introduced the tripartite division of powers: legislative, executive and judiciary. The Basic Law was written in 11 articles and regulated the principles of the functioning of state organs, as well as defined the rights and obligations of citizens. The purpose of its enactment was to carry out reforms that were to prevent further partitions of Poland (let us recall - the first partition of Poland took place in 1772, the second partition in 1793, and the third partition in 1795).
As it turned out, the significance of the adoption of the Constitution was primarily symbolic. After its adoption, two further partitions of Poland took place, as a result of which it disappeared from the maps of Europe for 123 years. Independence was regained only in 1918, after the end of World War I. It is worth remembering that although it did not improve the functioning of the Republic of Poland and did not contribute to strengthening its position in the world, Constitution adopted on May 3rd remained in the memory of Poles. The very fact that it was the second in the world made us proud, thanks to which Polish identity and the memory of the lost state were not lost. This is why this act played a significant role in the history of Poland.
